Michele Ashamalla

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A former state deputy attorney general and current stay-at-home mom, Recession Mama Michele Ashamalla has three kids and ten years of experience stretching one salary to cover the necessities and more. She's all about saving money whenever you can, so you have it to spend on whatever you want!

Spring Break on a Budget

by Michele Ashamalla posted Tuesday, March 15, 2011 |

filed under: Michele Ashamalla

Are you dreading the vacation ahead because you're low on cash? No worries: I have some ideas that will keep your kids entertained -- and you in the black!

[ 4 Comments ]

What's the REAL Cost of My Kids' Bag Lunches?

by Michele Ashamalla posted Friday, March 11, 2011 |

filed under: Michele Ashamalla

I used to always pack my kids' lunches, secure in the idea that what I could give them was healthier than what they would get at school, and that it was saving us money, too. Wrong!

[ 3 Comments ]

Embrace the Vacation Playdate!

by Michele Ashamalla posted Saturday, January 1, 2011 |

filed under: Michele Ashamalla

Shortly after noon today, I had five kids at home: an 11-year-old, two 8-year-olds and two 5-year-olds. I like long playdates, so I planned to keep everyone until 7 PM or so. Would you believe that I was able to organize a bookshelf, sort through eighty e-mails, do a load of laundry, write a few thank-you notes, do a little after-Christmas tidying and cook dinner with all those kids in the house?!

[ 5 Comments ]

Shop It to Me

by Michele Ashamalla posted Friday, December 31, 2010 |

filed under: Michele Ashamalla

I'm not a big fan of malls. I would rather spend what little free time I have hanging out with my kids at a park or museum, or holed up with a book at home. I do most of my shopping online, and I've found a fantastic way to browse the Web without spending hours checking out every site I like.

[ 1 Comments ]

Time to Organize!

by Michele Ashamalla posted Thursday, December 30, 2010 |

filed under: Michele Ashamalla

Here is one of my favorite money-saving tips: Organize the stuff you have, and be amazed at all the stuff you have! If your stuff is organized, you're not buying another pair of black tights because you can't find the ones you know your daughter has somewhere ....

[ 8 Comments ]

Buy Cereal, Score Movie Tickets!

by Michele Ashamalla posted Wednesday, December 29, 2010 |

filed under: Michele Ashamalla

Inside specially marked General Mills cereal (Cheerios, Lucky Charms, etc.), there are codes that can be redeemed for free movie tickets!

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The Season of Giving

by Michele Ashamalla posted Saturday, December 25, 2010 |

filed under: holidays

Most of us are stretched pretty thin this time of year, but there is always someone who's worse off. Really, lots and lots of people ....

[ 4 Comments ]

Last-Minute Christmas Gift Ideas

by Michele Ashamalla posted Thursday, December 23, 2010 |

filed under: Michele Ashamalla

All right, Christmas is about a minute away and you're not done with your shopping. Here are some ideas for last-minute purchases that will keep you out of the malls and super-crowded discount stores.